"As someone with a complete inability to make a decision, there is no torture quite like trying to pick a nail polish color at the salon. You don’t have much time to pick a color, there are a million bottles to choose from, and you risk $40 down the drain if you hate the result. Thankfully, after seeing this neutral nail trend all over the Oscars red carpet, my nail salon woes might come to an end. Soap nails are my (and your favorite A-listers’) new go-to manicure.
panic packing? I don't know her.
What are soap nails?
No more statement nail regrets after boldly choosing hot pink or green—soap nails are a neutral, simple, and clean look for your nails. This trend uses sheer nudes and light pinks to create a barely-there effect. The technique emphasizes nail prep for a perfect canvas, then applies just a few coats of nude polish for the ultimate clean-girl nails (hence the name “soap nails”). This manicure goes with everything and gives an elevated, luxe feel, so it’s no surprise it was celeb favorite on the red carpet at last night’s 97th annual Academy Awards.
Soap nail inspiration
Ready to try the trend? Here’s how our favorite celebrities put their own spin on the soap nail trend.
Ariana Grande
In a classic Glinda and Elphaba move, Ariana Grande’s nails were the opposite of the fabulously ornate acrylics full of embellishments that Cynthia Erivo chose for the Oscars. Her simple French manicure incorporated a pale pink shade to give a Glinda-fied twist to soap nails. To achieve the look, shape your nails into a long almond shape, making sure your cuticles and nail beds are clean, and opt for a light, milky pink like OPI’s Bubble Bath.
Lily-Rose Depp
If Lily-Rose Depp is rocking something, you know it’s time to hop on the trend. She opted for a short, square nail, which is perfect if, like me, you don’t like the feeling of long nails. I may not have a custom couture gown to pair with the manicure, but it will look just as good with my trusty WFH outfits.
Elle Fanning
A diamond necklace like this calls for a nail color that will complement, not overpower—and Elle Fanning opted for soap nails to do just that. Her manicure is on the sheer side, really embracing the “lip gloss” effect that soap nails give. While her nails were no doubt done by a highly talented nail tech, the look is so easy to recreate at home, too.
Mikey Madison
Mikey Madison went home with the Academy Award for Best Actress, and when she was posing with her award, I couldn’t help but appreciate her manicure. The classic, rounded nail shape with subtle, sheer polish creates a combo I’m ready to rock all spring.
Get the look at home
Looking to DIY soap nails? These polishes will do the trick.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.